Celtic remain in the hunt for a new permanent manager, with club legend Martin O’Neill currently serving in a caretaker capacity. Among the frontrunners for the role is Club Brugge boss Nicky Hayen, who guided his side to both the Belgian league title and a domestic cup victory at just 45 years old.
Speaking during a Belgian TV interview, Hayen was once again pressed about Celtic’s reported interest, following his side’s thrilling 3–3 Champions League draw with Barcelona — a result that saw a potential last-minute winner ruled out by VAR.
Responding to the speculation, Hayen told Sport Witness:
“I haven’t thought about it for a second. I have someone who looks after my interests and knows when to inform me. That’s not on the agenda yet.”
The stalemate against Barcelona may have been Hayen’s final game in charge of Brugge. Before returning to Belgium, he managed Welsh side Haverfordwest County. His former mentor praised him as a “workaholic” with a calm yet commanding presence, predicting that Hayen could eventually replace Arne Slot at Liverpool.
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